How is Fibromyalgia Treated?

When it comes to the treatment of fibromyalgia, there are a number of medications, alternative therapies, and lifestyle adjustments that can help to reduce pain and improve quality of sleep. A fibromyalgia specialist can decide which pain medications and antidepressants to prescribe in order to help relieve the pain, depression, fatigue, and anxiety that is associated with this syndrome.

Unfortunately, there is no cure or easy all in one treatment available for people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that a multidisciplinary approach that combines modern medication and alternative therapies seems to be the most effective way to treat the symptoms of this syndrome. Health care specialists can also recommend regular aerobic exercise, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, moist heat therapy, and other stress reducing techniques to help their patients self-manage their symptoms.

Unfortunately, this is a syndrome that remains widely misunderstood, and it can be very difficult to diagnose. The best treatment plan must be specifically tailored to the individual as no two cases of fibromyalgia are exactly alike. Currently, emphasis is placed on managing fibro symptoms and ensuring the patient’s long-term health.

Medications Available for Fibromyalgia

Certain medications can be used to reduce the pain caused by fibromyalgia. For many people living with this syndrome, the symptoms can make it very difficult to sleep. The right type of medication can help them manage their symptoms and actually get the sleep they need. Here are some of the drugs which have been used to treat fibromyalgia:

Analgesics: If your syndrome is causing pain and stiffness then you may want to take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Of course, the effectiveness of these drugs will vary from case to case. Prescription pain relievers like tramadol may be required if the patient is in need of something a little stronger than acetaminophen. Health care specialists could also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to be taken in conjunction with other medications.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants like milnacipran and duloxetine can help to ease fatigue and feelings of depression that have been associated with fibromyalgia. If your are having trouble sleeping, then your doctor may also prescribe fluoxetine or amitriptyline to help you get some sleep.

Anti-Seizure Medications: These types of medications were designed to treat epilepsy, but they can be very effective in reducing specific types of pain as well. Gabapentin can be help control fibromyalgia symptoms, and pregabalin was actually the first drug approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia.

Therapies Used for Fibromyalgia

Self-management techniques can be one of the most effective ways to treat fibromyalgia in the long run. If you have been diagnosed with this syndrome, then your doctor can help you find the best therapies based on your symptoms. High levels of stress and other factors can cause fibromyalgia flare-ups, but self-management techniques can help you deal with these situations.